Gethens

Gethens, also known as the Gethenians, are a fictional sapient species from Ursula K. Le Guin's science fiction novel "The Left Hand of Darkness" and its sequels. They are native to the planet Gethen, which is also known by the Gethenian name Gekken. The most striking biological characteristic of the Gethens is their ambisexuality. Every Gethenian is physiologically capable of assuming either a male or female sexual role, and this state is not fixed. For approximately twenty-eight days of each month, Gethenians are androgynous, with no discernible sex. During a period of sexual arousal, called "kemmer," which occurs about once a month, they temporarily develop functional sex organs corresponding to the sex of the partner they are mating with. This means any Gethenian can potentially father or bear offspring, depending on the circumstances of the kemmer.

This unique reproductive biology profoundly shapes Gethenian society and culture. Concepts of gender as understood by humans are largely absent or significantly different. Social structures tend to be more fluid and less hierarchical, with less emphasis on traditional gender roles. Their political systems often involve periods of intense cooperation followed by isolation, mirroring their reproductive cycle. The harsh, ice-covered environment of Gethen also influences their way of life, leading to hardy and adaptable individuals. Their understanding of self and other is also influenced by their dual potential, creating a different perspective on personal identity and relationships.